EP0984368A2 - Method for generation of links between files of databases and computer network - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves forming a reference on the basis of an association, formed by the user using the computer network, of a target database to an initially observed output data file of an output database. For subsequent observation of the output data file a target data file display command is entered for direct display of the data file on the screen. An Independent claim is also included for a computer network for implementing the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing references between Files from databases stored on a storage medium Central computers of a computer network are stored, the Computer network further at least one operating unit for Communication with the central computer and for viewing the content which includes files on a screen.

Working with different files of such databases is with Computer operating systems are generally possible, but require an annoying one Switching back and forth between the files and possibly a time consuming Search for a desired file. Making references between files, especially with large databases, facilitate. Such references between files are particularly from the most "homepages" in the WWW (world wide web) known. Because of the Reference is available to the user of the computer network when viewing a file on the screen, for example, an immediate command Display of another text or graphic file on the screen Available (usually by "clicking" an optically highlighted Word or symbol in the source file on the screen).

References are made between files in a database usually during the construction of the database or in the immediate Connection to this by appropriate programming work Database specialist. This way of making references between Files has several disadvantages: For large databases, this is Creating the references is extremely time consuming and delays the Commissioning of the database in the computer network. Furthermore, the The corresponding programming work is carried out by specialists expensive. In addition, it may happen that the programming specialist manufactured during or after the creation of the database References between the files do not meet the information needs of one User when using the computer network later correspond.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a method of the beginning Specify the type mentioned, which is the manufacture of user-oriented References between files while avoiding the disadvantages mentioned above enables.

To solve this problem it is proposed that the manufacture of a References between files based on a user 's Using the computer network to assign an Target file of a target database for an initially viewed source file an initial database, and that in a later, renewed Viewing the source file, a target file display command can be entered for the immediate display of the target file on the screen.

In the method according to the invention, the production of References between files after commissioning the corresponding Databases in the computer network, whereby the one described above, Time loss occurring in the usual procedures is avoided. Further omitted those with the usual creation of references by one Database related costs. In addition, the references manufactured user-oriented, since the corresponding assignment of a Target file for an initial file viewed by the user himself, usually at his place of work, when working with the corresponding databases. This not only ensures that the references necessary or helpful in daily work between files are actually created, but you avoid also the appearance of useless references that occur when working with the Disrupt computer network, waste time and storage space on the storage medium of the central computer. Allow, on the other hand those produced in a user-oriented manner using the method according to the invention References between files that the user can use at a later, renewed Viewing the source file enters a target file view command, with which he can directly access the target file and put it on the Can display that he or another user at a previous use of the source file computer network assigned.

It is preferably provided in the method according to the invention that a target database display command when viewing the source file can be entered if there is no reference between the Source file and one of the files of the target database is saved, one Selection display of the target database on the screen causes that at User selects a target file from the target database automatically a mapping information is stored that the output file and the Destination file indicates, and that from the mapping information automatically or triggered manually, a corresponding reference made and is saved.

The selection display of the target database, in which no target file of the Output file has been assigned, for example, in one to do this on the screen that opens on the screen, like this from numerous graphic computer interfaces is known. In one The user then selects a target file from the target database and window assigns them to the source file.

The one produced and stored from this assignment information If you use the computer network later, that when looking at the source file the target database display command can be entered if there is already a reference between the source file and a target file of the target database is saved, an immediate representation of the target file on the Screen causes. This function of a reference largely corresponds of those of the "links" within or between homepages in the WWW is known.

For the particularly user-oriented design of the invention The method provides that the user issue a referral command can be entered, the creation and storage of the reference from the Allocation information caused. The user does not create here only the above-mentioned assignment information, but it causes itself the creation and storage of the reference on the storage medium of the central computer.

However, it is alternatively also possible for one of the central computers constantly running monitoring program that generated by the user Map information in a statistics file that preferably stores also the frequency of the production of the same assignment information stores, and that at an optional time Referral commands can be entered manually or generated automatically are, optionally for all or better just a part of the Allocation information, preferably according to their frequency. The You can manually enter the referrer commands here for example by a computer network administrator who Statistics file evaluates. The automatic generation of references can be done by another program executed by the central computer be carried out, which evaluates the statistics file accordingly.

This can preferably be done outside of the usual working hours of the user Computer network, e.g. at night.

The mapping information stored in the statistics file each Users also provide an individual characterization of their interests, what e.g. can be used advantageously for training purposes.

When saving mapping information in such a statistics file can be particularly useful in a computer network with multiple Operating units and / or more users the case that one source file different target files in one and the same Target database have been assigned. For simple versions of the inventive method in which a predetermined Only one target file can be assigned to the source file in each target database is, it is therefore provided that when different occur Mapping information using the same source file different target files in the same target database link from the mapping information with the greatest frequency of Reference is made.

However, if in more extensive versions of the invention Procedural references from the given source file to several Target files should be offered in the same target database, so can optionally create the references decentrally through the Users can be done in the manner described above. Using References can then be made using special reference windows on the Screen, which is a selection display of all target files in one and Show the same target database for the specified source file.

The method according to the invention simplifies working with files in Databases in a computer network that have a central computer Storage medium and an operating unit for communication with the Central computer and to view the content of the files on one Screen includes means for referencing between Files based on what a user uses when using the Assignment of a target file to a computer network Target database for an initially viewed source file of a Source database and for entering a target file display command for the immediate display of the target file on the screen at a later, re-examination of the original file are provided.

It is preferably provided in such a computer network that the Control panel screen a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen) is. With such a touch-sensitive screen commands are predefined by tapping on the screen Fields entered. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the Control unit from a single component, namely the touch-sensitive screen, which may be special space-saving and clearly arranged at the workplace and for example, largely insensitive to a keyboard against those in technical companies such as Auto repair shops usual Interferences (dust, material particles, heat, grease, oil etc.).

But it is also when using a touch screen possible and even necessary when using a normal screen, that the operating unit has a keyboard and / or a cursor control device, especially computer mouse, for communication with the central computer. This latter embodiment offers the advantage that a commercial and inexpensive PC can be used.

Regardless of the special design of the control unit provided that when the computer network is used in a technical operation of the screen at least one of the following fields displays: a field "test and setting data" for calling up the test and Setting data of a selected component / a selected position; on "Parts" field for calling up the part number and ordering one selected component / position; a field "repair instructions" to call up the repair instructions for a selected component a selected position; a field "additional work" to get the a selected component / a selected position test and Additional work; a "theory" field for retrieving a selected one Component / theoretical assigned to a selected position Information; a field "link" for placing a link between one selected component / position and another file; on "Print" field for printing the screen view.

The fields "Test and setting data", "Parts", "Repair instructions", "Additional work" and "Theory" correspond to typical databases, on the in a technical operation such. B. a car workshop a workplace such as B. a lift for car repairs, is accessed. Tapping one of these fields corresponds to the one above Described target file display command, simultaneously tapping the The "link" field corresponds to the target database display command described above. The field "print" causes the printout of the Screen view on an optionally connected printer, so certain information in printed form at such places of the Can be taken from which the screen is not visible.

When using such a computer network with a Touch-sensitive screen is also provided that the touch-sensitive screen displays the following fields: one field "Cursor" for selecting components shown on the screen or positions and a field "Enter" to confirm and thus select the selected components or positions. When using one Control unit with a common screen, such as. B. one commercially available PC, these functions can be used by the corresponding Keys on the keyboard and / or from the cursor control device, such as e.g. B. a computer mouse or a trackball.

In general, the computer network can be designed so that one Operating unit from set references in a references database can be saved, which is assigned only to this control unit. Consequently only those references are available to a user at a workstation That he created between files in the past.

A particularly effective use of the computer network, especially in a company with a plurality of similar Workplaces, each with at least one control unit are equipped, but is possible because of one Operating unit from set references in a references database can be saved, which is common to all operating units. In In this case, a user can benefit from references that are his Colleagues made earlier.

It is even possible that the references are in a references database can be stored in central computers of other computer networks is transferable, preferably over a wide area network (WAN) Connection.

Such a WAN connection, for example, also via the Internet can take place, offers the possibility that the computer network with at least one second comparable computer network, in particular in a comparable technical operation, is connected for comparison and, if necessary, updating on the respective central computers saved references. In this way, a user provides the information that he has for Referrals considered meaningful not only to his colleagues in the same technical operation, but also users in other, comparable Operationally available and vice versa from their references benefit. A network of user-oriented references between files.

To always provide current information to the user in the workplace can, it is advantageous that the computer network over a Wide area network connection with another computer, in particular in another company, e.g. B. manufacturer, is connected by the there is new data on the possible source and target databases for Save on the storage medium of his central computer receives. On this way z. B. a car manufacturer to the on-board network affiliated vehicle workshops up-to-date information, e.g. B. about new ones Components, their repair and any theoretical background, to transfer.

In a further development of the invention, the computer network is like this connected to a wide area network, especially the Internet, that certain files from anyone else to this wide area network connected computers are accessible from. In this case it serves Computer network not only as an internal tool, but also also as an advertising and information device to the outside world. In the common case a car repair shop connected to a car dealer can give you one potential customers, for example, certain images or technical Information about vehicles will be offered. This execution also opens up the possibility that a customer from home the Internet about the status of one made on his vehicle Repair informed.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Aufbau des Computernetzwerks zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 2

eine typische Ansicht eines berührungsempfindlichen Bildschirms (touch screen) aus Fig. 1; und

Fig. 3

ein Flußdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Verwendung bzw. Herstellung von Verweisen in dem Computernetzwerk aus Fig. 1 unter Einsatz des berührungsempfindlichen Bildschirms aus Fig. 2.

The invention is explained below using preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic structure of the computer network for performing the method according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a typical view of a touch screen from Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3

2 shows a flowchart to explain the use or establishment of references in the computer network from FIG. 1 using the touch-sensitive screen from FIG. 2.

Fig. 1 shows schematically the structure of a computer network 10 for Implementation of the method according to the invention. A central computer (Server) 12 is connected to operating units 16 via lines 14, which in this example are touch-sensitive screens (touch screens) 17 are trained. While the touch sensitive Screens 17 at different workplaces within a company are set up, the central computer 12 is often in one for this specially designed, enclosed space. The central computer 12 is further connected to a conventional printer 20 via a printer cable 18, which is preferably set up so that it is different from, with Operating units 16 equipped workstations easily accessible is. In this way, it becomes accessible to users of the computer network 10 enables a printout of a viewed file also in such places to take her to work, from which screen 17 is not is visible. The central computer 12 is also over a WAN connection 24 connected to a wide area network. This enables in communicating with similar ones as described above Computer networks in other companies as well as access to certain information on the central computer 12 from the outside about the Internet.

On the storage medium (not shown) of the central computer 12 Databases 22A-22E stored. Each database 22A-22E contains a certain content area information in the form of files, which the user views on the screen 17 at his workplace can. In addition, each database 22A-22E includes an initially empty one References database 22A'-22E ', in the mapping information which are stored in the respective database 22A-22E existing source files with target files in other databases 22A-22E connect. So, for example, an output file in the Source database 22A a target file in the target database 22B assigned, then one made from this assignment information Reference in the reference database 22A 'of the initial database 22A saved. It is possible in the method according to the invention, but not necessary, also in the area 22B 'of the target database 22B in which the Target file is located to save a corresponding information.

The inventive method for producing and using References between files when using the computer network 10 2 and 3 using the example of one in a motor vehicle workshop used computer network 10 explained. The user, in In this case, a car mechanic receives at the start of work on the touch-sensitive screen 17 an overview of all for him planned work orders, if necessary also with time of the desired ones Completion or with a list of priorities. First the user chooses one of the work orders using the cursor field 26H. The cursor field 26H allows the cursor to be positioned anywhere (Screen pointer) C on screen 17 and is divided into four subfields, namely an upper, a lower, a left and a right subfield, divided up. Tapping on the respective subfield within the cursor field 26H moves the cursor C in the corresponding direction on the Screen 17. The work order selected in this way is indicated by Confirm with the enter field 261 selected. It either appears immediately or after further, similar selection processes, the exploded drawing of a component to be machined on the screen 17 (see Fig. 2). The stand for each of the individual parts that make up the component User information in files from the databases "test and Setting data "22A," Parts "22B," Repair instructions "22C, "Additional work" 22D and "Theory" 22E are available.

For example, when working on a motor vehicle clutch (see Fig. 2) "Test and setting data" database 22A Information about the target distances of items included that includes "Parts" database 22B Order data such as the associated part number and allows ordering a part from a warehouse, the "Repair Instructions" database 22C contains the instructions for example for installing a new one Clutch disc, the "Additional Work" database includes information for subsequent work such as the adjustment of the clutch and the "Theory" database 22E contains general structure information a coupling and the materials used.

If the user now has information on a screen 17 item M shown, he chooses this first with the help of Cursor field 26H and Enter field 26I. For example, in Fig. 2 the Cursor C on the approximately shown in the mine of the screen 17 Diaphragm spring M of the clutch positioned and then the enter field 261 have been actuated, whereby the selected item M on the Screen 17 optically highlighted, e.g. highlighted in color or in one different brightness level than the other individual parts. In one subsequent step S1, the user taps a field 26A-26E, which is associated with database 22A-22E from which it desires information. In the flow chart of FIG. 3, this is based on the example of a desired one Information from the "Theory" database 22E explained. If due an earlier assignment of the source file with the selected one Item M containing output database 22A-22E already a reference to a target file in the "theory" target database 26E, it becomes Target file shown immediately on the screen 17. Tapping the In this case, "theory" fields 26E in step S1 act as Target file rendering command, which is the immediate rendering of an already assigned target file. To make work easier with the touch-sensitive screen 17 can be provided that after selecting an item M on the screen 17 all those Touch fields 26A-26E optically highlighted, e.g. B. are highlighted in color, those databases 22A-22E are assigned in which already Target files of the source file containing the selected component have been assigned. For example, in Fig. 2 after the above Select the diaphragm spring M of the coupling in the mine of the screen 17 the field "repair instructions" 26C visually highlighted as already due to an earlier assignment a reference from the diaphragm spring graphic containing source file to a target file in the repair instructions containing target database 22C exists.

During all work on the touch screen 17 can change the current screen view by tapping the "print" field 26G can be printed out on the connected printer 20.

If the item M selected on the screen 17 in the by Tap the corresponding field 26A-26E selected in step S1 Database 22A-22E, however, has not yet been assigned a target file, so an information window appears on the screen 17 in which the user is asked to create a reference yourself. For this, the type In step S2 (see FIG. 3), users simultaneously use the "link" field 26F and the field 26A-26E associated with the desired database 22A-22E on. This target database display command causes one to open Window on the screen 17, in which a selection representation of the Target database is displayed. This selection display can preferably in one known by the "file managers" of various operating systems done graphically. By possibly repeated Using the "Cursor" field 26H and the "Enter" field 26I Users in a step S3 directories and files within the Open target database 26E until it has the information you want found the target file containing it. By tapping the "Link" field again 26F in a final step S4, it stores the Assignment information about the assignment of the found target file to the the initial file containing initial item M from. How As explained above, the storage of the assignment information may vary Interpretation of the computer network 10 as a reference creation command act directly on the creation and storage of the reference causes the storage medium of the central computer 12. It is also possible that the assignment information in a statistics file on the Storage medium of the central computer 12 is stored, and that later based on this stored mapping information manually (e.g. by a network administrator) or automatically (by a program executed by the central computer 12, preferably at night) getting produced.

After making a reference to one of the described types, a later review of the same source file with the selected item M tapping that described in this case "Theory" field 26E (which has already been selected from the time the Individual M is optically highlighted on the screen 17, comparable the field "repair instructions" 26C in Fig. 2) as Target file rendering command, which is the immediate one as described above Representation of the target file on the screen 17 causes. Here you can the references in the references databases 22A'-22E 'within the Databases 22A-22E can be stored in such a way that only the Operating unit 16 are available from which they are manufactured or they can be available to all operating units 16 stand. In the latter case in particular, the reference databases 22A'-22E 'via the wide area network connection 24 with the corresponding reference databases of similar technical companies compared and updated if necessary.

In any case, the wide area network connection 24 is used Communication with companies, one of which is the car workshop Receives components and / or information, usually with one Manufacturing plant. Furthermore, the WAN connection 24 in the beginning described way of providing information to third parties Participant of the wide area network, especially for customers of the car workshop.

The presented method for creating references between files of databases in the computer network described is not on use in the technical operation mentioned as an example, and especially not for use in the vehicle workshop mentioned as an example limited. Rather, it can be on any computer network, even in a single computer not connected to a network by placing references between different files under Avoiding the disadvantages described above more common Want to create referral methods. In particular, the Number and designation of the databases, between their files References should be made, not to those described in the Embodiment examples limited.

Claims (21)

Method for establishing references between files of databases (22A-22E), which are stored on a storage medium of a central computer (12) of a computer network (10), the computer network (10) further comprising at least one operating unit (16) for communication with the central computer (12) and for viewing the content of the files on a screen (17),
characterized,
that the creation of a link between files is based on the assignment of a target file from a target database (22A-22E) to an initially considered source file of a source database (22A-22E), and that at one, when using the computer network (10) a later, re-examination of the source file a target file display command can be entered for the immediate display of the target file on the screen (17). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that when considering the Output file, a target database display command can be entered, which then, if there is still no reference between the source file and one of the files the target database (22A-22E), a selection representation of the Target database (22A-22E) on the screen (17) causes that when selected a target file of the target database (22A-22E) by the user automatically a mapping information is stored that the output file and the Destination file indicates, and that from the mapping information automatically or triggered manually, a corresponding reference made and saved becomes. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at Consider the source file or the target database display command can be entered if there is already a reference between the source file and a target file of the target database (22A-22E) is stored, one prompt display of the target file on the screen (17). A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that from User can enter a reference creation command, which is the creation and Storage of the reference from the assignment information is prompted. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the Central computer (12) constantly running monitoring program by the Stores user-generated mapping information in a statistics file, which preferably also the frequency of producing the same mapping information stores, and that at an optional time, referral commands can be entered manually or generated automatically, optionally for all or better only part of the mapping information, preferably according to their frequency. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that when different mapping information, the same source file with different target files in the same target database link from the mapping information with the greatest frequency of Reference is made. Method for establishing references between files of databases (22A-22E), which are stored on a storage medium of a central computer (12) of a computer network (10), the computer network (10) further comprising at least one operating unit (16) for communication with the central computer (12) and for viewing the content of the files on a screen (17)
characterized,
that the creation of a link between files is based on the assignment of a target file from a target database (22A-22E) to an initially considered source file of a source database (22A-22E), and that at one, when using the computer network (10) Later, re-examination of the source file, a target file representation command can be entered for the immediate display of the target file on the screen (17), such that a target database representation command can be entered when viewing the source file, which, if there is still no reference between the source file and one of the files of the target database (22A-22E) is stored, causes a selection display of the target database (22A-22E) on the screen (17), wherein upon selection of a target file of the target database (22A-22E) the user automatically stores a mapping information that the source file and specifies the target file, and where from d the mapping information is triggered automatically or manually, a corresponding reference is established and stored, whereas the target database display command, if a link between the source file and a target file of the target database (22A-22E) is already stored, an immediate display of the target file on the screen (17 ) causes. Method for establishing references between files of databases (22A-22E), which are stored on a storage medium of a central computer (12) of a computer network (10), the computer network (10) further comprising at least one operating unit (16) for communication with the central computer (12) and for viewing the content of the files on a screen (17),
characterized,
that the creation of a link between files is based on the assignment of a target file of a target database (22A-22E) to an initially considered source file of a source database (22A-22E) and that of a user when using the computer network (10); A later, re-examination of the source file can be used to enter a target file display command for the immediate display of the target file on the screen (17), a monitoring program continuously executed by the central computer (12) storing user-generated mapping information, which specify the source file and the target file, in a statistics file , which preferably also stores the frequency of the production of the same assignment information, and wherein at an optional point in time reference generation commands can be entered manually or generated automatically, optionally for all or better only part of the assignment information possibly according to their frequency. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the target file rendering command by selecting, in particular Clicking on a field, for example an icon, on the screen (17) the field of the target database containing the target file (22A-22E) can be entered assigned. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that when considering the Source file after selecting an item on the screen (17) all those fields are highlighted, for example highlighted in color that are associated with such databases (22A-22E) in which already Target files have been assigned to the source file. Computer network for performing the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a central computer (12) with Storage medium and an operating unit (16) for communication with the Central computer (12) and to view the content of the files on one Screen (17), means for establishing a reference between Files based on what a user uses when using the Computer network (10) made assignment of a target file Target database (22A-22E) to an initially viewed source file of a Output database (22A-22E) and for entering a target file display command for the immediate display of the target file on the screen (17) a later, renewed review of the original file are provided. Computer network according to claim 11, characterized in that the Screen (17) of the control unit a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen) is. Computer network according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the operating unit (16) a keyboard and / or a cursor control device, especially computer mouse, for communication with the Central computer (12). Computer network according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that when the computer network is used in a technical operation, the screen (17) displays at least one of the following fields: an "inspection and setting data" field (26A) for retrieving the inspection and setting data of a selected component / position; a "Parts" field (26B) for calling the part number and ordering a selected component / position; a "repair guide" field (26C) for retrieving the repair guide of a selected component / position; an "additional work" field (26D) for calling up the test and additional work associated with a selected component / position; a "Theory" field (26E) for retrieving theoretical information associated with a selected component / position; a "link" field (26F) for setting a link between a selected component / position and another file; a field "print" (26G) for printing the screen view. Computer network according to Claims 12 and 14, characterized in that the touch-sensitive screen (17) displays the following fields: a field "cursor" (26H) for selecting components or positions shown on the screen (17); a field "Enter" (261) for confirming and thus selecting the selected components or positions. Computer network according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that that from an operating unit (16) set references in a References database (22A'-22E ') can be saved using this operating unit only (16) is assigned. Computer network according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that that from an operating unit (16) set references in a References database (22A'-22E '), all of which can be stored Operating units (16) is common. Computer network according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that that the references in a references database (22A'-22E ') can be stored in the central computer (12) of other computer networks (10) is transferable, preferably via a wide area network (WAN) Connection (24). Computer network according to claim 18, characterized in that the Computer network (10) with at least one second computer network (10) according to one of claims 7-14, in particular in a comparable one technical operation, is connected to compare and update if necessary references stored on the respective central computers (12). Computer network according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that that it has a wide area network connection (24) with a other computers, especially in another company, e.g. Manufacturing plant, from which there is new data on the possible Source and destination databases (22A-22E) for storage on the storage medium its central computer (12) receives. Computer network according to one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that that it is so connected to a wide area network, especially the Internet, is connected that certain files from each other to this wide area network connected computers are accessible from.

Images